Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643) was an Italian composer and keyboard virtuoso, one of the most influential figures in early Baroque instrumental music. Born in Ferrara, he became a leading organist in Rome.

His works include toccatas, ricercars, canzonas, capriccios, partitas and sacred music. Collections such as the Fiori musicali became models for organists and composers long after his lifetime.

Frescobaldi’s music is expressive and highly inventive, with flexible rhythm and daring harmonic turns. He helped transform keyboard writing from Renaissance counterpoint into a freer and more dramatic Baroque language.

His influence reached later composers including Froberger and, indirectly, Bach. Frescobaldi stands among the great keyboard architects: a builder of forms that still seem to breathe under the fingers.